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Cellular Plasticity and Heterotypic Interactions during Breast Morphogenesis and Cancer Initiation
Saevar Ingthorsson1,2, Gunnhildur Asta Traustadottir1,3, Thorarinn Gudjonsson1,4
1Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland.
Cancers
|November 11, 2022
Summary
Breast development involves stem cells and stromal interactions. Cancer may originate from these cells, sharing plasticity with normal stem cells, with stroma influencing progression.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Developmental biology
- Cancer biology
Background:
- Mammary gland development occurs postnatally, driven by menstrual cycles.
- Epithelial stem and progenitor cells differentiate into luminal and myoepithelial lineages.
- Stromal interactions are crucial for maintaining stem cell niches and gland homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cellular plasticity in normal breast morphogenesis and cancer.
- To highlight the role of the stromal environment in breast cancer initiation and progression.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of normal breast development and cancer biology.
- Analysis of stem cell behavior and stromal interactions.
Main Results:
- Breast stem/progenitor cells are implicated as the origin of most breast cancer subtypes.
- Cancer stem cells exhibit similarities to normal stem cells, including increased survival and cellular plasticity.
- The stromal microenvironment significantly influences breast cancer initiation and progression.
Conclusions:
- Cellular plasticity is a key feature in both normal breast development and cancer.
- Understanding stem cell behavior and stromal interactions is vital for targeting breast cancer therapies.
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